By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday turned over some P3 million to the provincial government of Masbate to facilitate the immediate repairs of the Masbate Provincial Hospital, which Typhoon Opong damaged.
Marcos led the turnover of the P3-million check from the Department of Health (DOH) during his visit to the damaged hospital, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) news release.
During the visit, Marcos also assessed the key facilities of the hospital, including the emergency room complex and the internal medicine ward.
Marcos also brought two additional Starlink units to enhance the hospital’s communication amid connectivity issues.
He also provided emergency generator sets to boost the power supply and ensure patients’ safety.
As of Sept. 30, the Masbate Provincial Hospital is accommodating 339 patients, with the support of 364 personnel, data from the PCO showed.
Marcos also presided over a situation briefing on the aftermath of Opong, held at the Masbate Comprehensive National High School.
The President also distributed various assistance to around 600 families staying at the Nursery Elementary School evacuation center, also in Masbate City, including P10,000 in cash aid through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“Nandito kaming lahat upang lahat ng pangangailangan ng mga na-displaced—’yung nawalan ng ng bahay, nawalan ng tirahan—ay mabigyan ng tulong. Unang-una syempre, galing sa DSWD, nandito si Secretary Rex Gatchalian ng DSWD, nauna na siya [dumating sa Masbate], at nakapagpadala kaagad nitong family food packs [FFPs],” Marcos told the evacuees.
During the event, the DSWD also provided hygiene kits as well as hot and nutritious meals through its mobile kitchen to ensure healthy food and nourishment for displaced families.
“Bukod pa ron, mayroon tayong cash assistance dahil ang bawat pamilya ay iba-iba ang pangangailangan kaya hindi basta ito lang ang basta nating ibibigay (Aside from that, we have cash assistance because each family has its own necessities, so it’s not only this [FFPs] that we should give),” the President pointed out.
Earlier, the DSWD had deployed its mobile water station in Masbate to ensure the steady supply of potable water.
Marcos gave his commitment to the evacuees that support from the DSWD and other government agencies like FFPs will continue for as long as families need them.
Masbate has been declared under a state of calamity following the devastation caused by Opong, affecting over 16,302 families or 57,113 individuals.
Essential services were also disrupted after Opong’s onslaught in the province. (with a report from Zaldy de Layola / PNA)
